UPFRONT

Neenah to Obtain Fox River
ALPHARETTA, GA—Neenah Paper has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Fox Valley, which owns Fox River Paper. Terms of the deal, which had been expected to close in the first quarter, were not revealed. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and is pending approval by Fox River shareholders. Neenah Paper will bolster its fine papers offering with Fox River brands that include Starwhite, Sundance, Esse and Oxford.

Cadmus Nabs LN Printing
RICHMOND, VA—On the heels of its acquisition by Cenveo Inc., Cadmus Communications has entered into an agreement to obtain LexisNexis’ conventional printing operations in Charlottesville, VA, and its digital printing operations in Conklin, NY. Virtually all of Charlottesville’s approximately 90 employees and the 35 employees at Conklin will transfer to Cadmus. The two companies also forged a five-year deal that sees Cadmus provide most of LexisNexis’ printing requirements.

Quebecor World Nets Deal
MONTREAL—Quebecor World has reached a multi-year contract agreement with specialty retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc. to produce a number of catalog titles, including Pottery Barn. The deal includes offset printing, logistics and mail list technologies. Quebecor World will also produce PBteen and Pottery Barn Bed and Bath catalogs. The printer offered Williams-Sonoma a multi-plant solution, which improved overall distribution accuracy, increased production flexibility and reduced cycle time.

Bindery Expert Abrams Passes
ORINDA, CA—Manny Abrams, a former president for Miehle-Goss-Dexter’s Lawson paper cutter division and a well-known figure in the bindery business, passed away on January 26, according to the Printing Association of Florida (PAF). Mr. Abrams turned 88 in January. He died surrounded by his family, according to LaVerne Preece, the director of trade show operations for PAF and the Graphics of the Americas.